The Dragonfly walk, Sendero de los Libélulas
Prologue:
The village of Benahavís is just a few kilometres inland near the town of Estepona, in the south/west of Málaga Province. It is a typical mountain village with narrow streets and white washed houses. A popular destination for visitors from the coast due to the proximity, but it still keeps it's village atmosphere.
It has an ancient history which dates back to the Moors who ruled in the Iberian peninsula from 711 AD until 1492. The name Benahavís dates back to the Moors and means the son (Ben of Avis or Havis) the ruler of the castle Monte Mayor near Benahavís.
A walk around the Guadalmina Reservoir near the village of Benahavís is fairly easy and pleasant and it can be enjoyed by young and old. The walkway is called the dragonfly walk "Sendero de los Libélulas", they can be observed here in big numbers. Beautiful illustrated information boards (Spanish/English) which you find along the way, help you to identify them and also give you an insight into the life of a dragonfly.
The dragonfly walk can be enjoyed any time of year.
Direction:
- Coming from Marbella on the A7 it takes about 30 minutes to Benahavís village.
- You take exit 1056 just before you reach the outskirts of Estepona municipality and follow the Ctra. Benahavís A-7175. It takes you just 10 minutes from the A7 exit.
- At the round about at the entrance of the village take the first exit and drive along Av. Fiscal Luis Portero Garcia and Av. La Moraleda until you reach the football ground (Campo Municipal de fútbol).
- This will lead you along the lower part of the village and past the park "Parque Torre Leonera", which is well worth a visit.
We parked our car in Calle Los Pinos, which is above the sports centre, and walked from there along Camino del Molino.
The walk can be divided into 2 parts and both routes will start at the football ground.
The total trail is approx. 4,2 km.
- The walk around the reservoir and over the dam is easy. The starting point and finish will be the same.
- Another route back to the village is along the banks of the river Guadalmina from the dam. This one is more challenging due to a narrow uneven footpath with steep slopes, but is well worth it.
We follow the way sign SL- A 252 across the dam and around the lake. Afterwards we followed a footpath along the banks of the river Guadalmina.
The reservoir (Embalse) is fairly small and surrounded by lush vegetation. It is not only an oasis for dragonflies but also many other insects and water birds can be seen here.
At the reservoir we headed first to the dam, which is our the right.
It is certainly an idyllic setting!
The reservoir is surrounded by high slopes covered in forest.
In the north the peaks of the Sierra de las Nieves of the Serranía de Ronda.
We make our way over the dam.
Due to heavy rains this spring the reservoir is releasing water back into the Guadalmina river.
A view north across the lake.
Below, the Guadalmina river takes its course towards the coast.
Especially in spring you find many wildflowers in bloom.
Rock roses come in various colours and sizes, from pink to lilac and white.
The flower seen below is about 5 cm in diameter.
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| Rockrose, Jara rizada (Cistus crispus) |
We follow the gravel road to the left that leads us around the lake.
In a small paddock two horses relaxing under a tree.
A view across the lake towards the dam.
In the distance we get a glimpse of the village.
We see various different water birds.
The dense vegetation and small ponds on the edge of the lake, are an ideal setting for frogs, breeding birds, and of course dragonflies.
As we walked anti clock wise around the lake, we had to walk across the dam again to reach the footpath along the river which leads back to the village.
The tarmac road leads you back to the village from here.
On the other side of the dam we follow the road down to the river.
We are heading towards the river.
In the middle of the river crossing,
The Guadalmina making its course down stream.
The water looks beautifully clear and fresh.
Across the water we see the trail.
Admits the trees an old ruin, we wonder what it might have been once.
The dam looks most impressive from here.
The information board explaining the ancient way of life and traditions connecting this sight with the people of Benahavís.
A way sign amidst the green vegetation. We are on the right track!
An ancient tree still has some life in it.
Leisurely we stroll on.
Near the path, white rock roses are in full bloom.
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| Sage leaved rock-rose, Jara o estepa, (Cistus salfiifolius) |
The flowers are magnets for insects.
The footpath is narrow but it is well maintained and with safety rails in places.
Occasionally you see dwarf fan palms growing next to the path.
| Mediterranean Dwarf palm, Palmera enana (Chamaerops humilis) |
Also called European Fan palm is a shrub like cluster palm and the northernmost naturally occurring palm in the world and the only native one to the Iberian peninsula and the Balearic. It is a very hardy slow growing palm (2-5m), drought tolerant and can withstand cold temperatures (up to -12ºC of the high elevations of the Sierras of Southern Spain and the Atlas mountains/Morocco), but does prefers hot summers.
Along the rivers edge you are able to observe different dragonflies.
We have found an ideal place for a picnic.
Slightly elevated this spot gives you a good view across the river.
The information board explaining how dragonflies have colonised the European continent.
The narrow river valley presents a dramatic landscape.
Steep cliffs and amazing rock formations!
In every nook and cranny plants take a foot hold.
This yellow flowering bush has a very strong aromatic smell.
A lonely poppy at the wayside.
I like this part of the walkway, which is more exciting.
It very diverse, interesting rock structure and diverse vegetation.
The steep slopes of the river valley are covered with a great variety of trees and bushes, which is typical for a Mediterranean forest.
The pine trees are left to grow in a natural way and some of them are very tall.
An ideal spot to take five and bask in the aura of the river valley.
Different types of dragonflies prefer the shady areas of the forest.
Ever so often we stop to absorb this natural surroundings.
A majestic Carob tree!
The river valley opens up and the first village house come into view.
Next to the footpath we notice a manmade structure.
It is of an ancient furnace, which was used for making quicklime.
Surrounded by a field of poppies.
We keep a look out for birds of prey which are frequently seen soaring in sky.
High up on the hill top a large estate.
The river flows calmer here.
The natural element have formed these rocks throughout millennium.
When you see the following information board you have reached the end (start) of the Dragonfly walkway along the banks of the Guadalmina river.
The football ground and the village Benahavís is not far any more.
Not only some dragonflies also butterflies posed in front the camara.
The colours and variety of wildflowers always amazes me!
After the first rain in autumn until the summer heat sets in the countryside in southern Spain comes alive.
This was a walk which we thoroughly enjoyed and we surly will do it again soon.
